Category: Holidays

We’re turning the spotlight on food-centric gifts over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas. Fruit, coffee, cheese, kitchen gadgets, various cuts of meat, jellies, cakes, even specialty olive oils will be part of the mix. Whether you’re looking to enhance your holiday spread, or surprise your favorite uncle (who also happens to be a fantastic cook), we’ve got something to whet your appetite.

We’re turning the spotlight on food-centric gifts over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas. Fruit, coffee, cheese, kitchen gadgets, various cuts of meat, jellies, cakes, even specialty olive oils will be part of the mix. Whether you’re looking to enhance your holiday spread, or surprise your favorite uncle (who also happens to be a fantastic cook), we’ve got something to whet your appetite.

Last week we shared some delicious wines that anyone would love to receive under their tree. Now we have a fun list of spirit suggestions, sure to please your scotch, bourbon, vodka or tequila-loving friends.

We’re turning the spotlight on food-centric gifts over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas. Fruit, coffee, cheese, kitchen gadgets, various cuts of meat, jellies, cakes, even specialty olive oils will be part of the mix. Whether you’re looking to enhance your holiday spread, or surprise your favorite uncle (who also happens to be a fantastic cook), we’ve got something to whet your appetite.

So you’re running late to your sister’s boyfriend’s boss’ holiday party and agreed to grab a seasonally appropriate six-pack on the way. The beer aisle at the liquor store is littered with decorative packaging, each boasting its own brand of holiday delight. Every label taunts the palate with promises of pecans, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, oranges, cocoa, and even toffee. How the heck are you supposed to choose?

We’re turning the spotlight on food-centric gifts over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas. Fruit, coffee, cheese, kitchen gadgets, various cuts of meat, jellies, cakes, even specialty olive oils will be part of the mix. Whether you’re looking to enhance your holiday spread, or surprise your favorite uncle (who also happens to be a fantastic cook), we’ve got something to whet your appetite.

We’re turning the spotlight on food-centric gifts over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas. Fruit, coffee, cheese, kitchen gadgets, various cuts of meat, jellies, cakes, even specialty olive oils will be part of the mix. Whether you’re looking to enhance your holiday spread, or surprise your favorite uncle (who also happens to be a fantastic cook), we’ve got something to whet your appetite.

The traditional holiday cake comes in a variety of colors and consistencies. Some are dark and rich with molasses, while others are flecked and sweetened with corn syrup. One commonality, however, is that every fruitcake is loaded with an assortment of nuts, dried fruit, spices, and if you’re lucky, brandy.

For 88 years Neiman Marcus has been tantalizing the imagination with its Christmas book. This year’s 187-page catalog is equipped with more than 600 gifts, ranging from mac ‘n cheese flavored dog treats to his and hers Vilebrequin quadskis for a whopping $50k each. Among the fur-trimmed cashmere cardigans and diamond encrusted bangles are some funky, food and cocktail-centric gifts. Here are five must-haves for exuberant party hosts and bon vivants alike.

Baked apples are both versatile and delicious. They can be eaten late at night alongside a scoop (or three) of vanilla ice cream, or at the crack of dawn with your morning cup of coffee. They’re the perfect addition to any holiday spread, and while dinner guests may “ooh” and “aww” at each succulent apple, heaping with toasted nuts and warm fruit, they’re relatively easy to make.

Iron your great grandmother’s fall foliage table runner and polish your turkey-shaped candelabras, Thanksgiving is merely a week away. How did it creep up so fast? Good question. Don’t worry if you haven’t had time to dust off your Williams-Sonoma cookbook, though. Area grocery stores are stocked full of ready-made, no fuss options for your holiday banquet. Some of which aren’t too shabby, either.

We’re trying a variety of store-bought Thanksgiving sides every week this month in honor of the impending holiday. We kicked things off last Thursday with cranberry sauce. Out of all the gelatinous mounds of crimson berries tasted, Pacific Whole Berry came out on top. This week we dug our forks into heaps of packaged stuffing.

VNA Meals on Wheels is raising funds by selling Thanksgiving Day pies. If you have not had the pleasure of volunteering to drive Meals on Wheels, consider signing up. Each year the program provides one million meals to homebound senior citizens who can not provide for themselves. Order your pies today.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and while your Pinterest board may be overflowing with mouthwatering recipes that you’ve been daydreaming about making since April, it’s important to keep alternative, quick options on hand. Let’s face it, life throws curveballs — especially around the holidays — and that heavenly turkey and cranberry strudel that you’ve been dreaming of might never materialize.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be tasting Thanksgiving staples that can be purchased at grocery stores in and around Dallas. We’re kicking things off this week with cranberry sauce. The holiday side comes in a variety of flavors, shapes and consistencies. My personal favorite is the gelatinous blob that comes in the shape of the can. The more can rings imprinted on the mold, the better. On the other hand, there are some delectable whole-berry, organic sauces out there that are sure to delight even the snobbiest of dinner guests.

I ran around to a handful of grocery store in town and picked up a few varieties of cranberry sauces, and a handful of helpful D Magazine staff members tasted them. Here’s what they thought.